Eddie Murray was one of the most prolific hitters of his era who played for 21 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1977-1997. As a result, Murray has been featured on numerous baseball cards over the years from the 1970s through the 1990s. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Eddie Murray baseball cards from his historic career.

One of Murray’s earliest and most sought after rookie cards is his 1977 Topps card #132. This was Murray’s true rookie card issued during his debut season with the Baltimore Orioles after being drafted 3rd overall in the June 1976 amateur draft out of Valley High School in Las Vegas. The design features Murray in an Orioles uniform from waist up with a blue and orange border. The photo captures his stoic demeanor that became synonymous with his playing style. Murray’s rookie card in gem mint condition can fetch over $1,000 due to its scarcity and significance as documenting his first season in the majors.

Another prized early Murray rookie is his 1977 Kellogg’s card #46. Kellogg’s produced baseball cards for cereal boxes from 1973-1981 and their design had a photo on the front and stats on the back. Murray looks confident batting from the left side in this image wearing an Orioles jersey. In top graded condition, it can sell for $500 or more given that Kellogg’s print runs were smaller than the major card companies like Topps. The set is highly collectible and captures Murray in the beginning stages of his Hall of Fame career.

In 1978, Murray’s breakout season saw him hit .333 with 27 home runs and 102 RBI while finishing third in AL MVP voting. This stellar campaign made his 1978 Topps card #234 very desirable. It shows Murray crouched in the batter’s box with an intense focus wearing an Orioles uniform. High grade versions fetch $150-300 due to Murray’s emerging superstar status reflected on the card from his award-winning 1978 season. This was when he started to become recognized as one of the top sluggers in baseball.

After eight productive seasons with Baltimore, Murray was surprisingly traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 1983. His first card with his new team was the 1984 Topps Traded #T84 issue. It depicts Murray in a Dodgers cap and jersey from his waist up with a blue backdrop. This transition card marks Murray moving to a new coast and city, showing collectors the next phase of his career. In pristine condition, examples can sell for $75-150 given its rarity and historical significance as Murray’s first card as a Dodger.

Murray enjoyed three excellent seasons with the Dodgers, highlighted by winning the 1985 NL Batting Title with a .351 average. His 1985 Fleer Update #U-39 card captured this peak performance. It features Murray crouched in the batter’s box with Dodger blue and white uniform showing his intense concentration. High grade versions are valued around $100 since it documents Murray’s batting crown-winning season and continued excellence in the National League.

After the 1986 season, Murray signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles in December 1986, returning to the franchise where he broke in and had his early success. His first card back with the O’s was the 1987 Topps Traded #T49 issue. It shows Murray from the waist up in an Orioles jersey with an orange backdrop, marking his second stint with the team. Near mint copies can sell for $50-75 given its scarcity and significance as Murray’s first card after rejoining the Orioles later in his career.

Murray played four more seasons in Baltimore before finishing his career with the 1992-93 Cleveland Indians and 1994-95 Los Angeles Dodgers. Some other notable later Murray cards include his 1990 Topps Traded #T48 as an Oriole, 1992 Fleer #469 as an Indian, and 1995 Upper Deck #362 as a Dodger in the final season of his Hall of Fame career. He retired with 504 home runs and over 3,000 hits, making him one of the most prolific offensive players of the 1980s and beyond.

In all, Eddie Murray’s 21-year MLB tenure resulted in many quality baseball cards issued that are still popular with collectors today. From his early rookie cards to documentation of award-winning seasons and franchise transitions, Murray cards provide historical value given his stellar career. Many of his highest graded issues can sell for hundreds reflecting his status as a true baseball legend. Eddie Murray was one of the game’s best hitters who is still fondly remembered today through his iconic baseball cards.